While driving on highway windshield cracked in an arc pattern starting from the drivers side to passenger side resulting in a perfect symmetrical pattern. It was around 10 degrees outside and the vehicles defrost and heat were on high. No object hit windshield before crack formed. Very loud cracking noise and slow from left to right formation. I went to the dealership to have them look at what caused crack and they said "must have been caused by a rock". At that time there was no evidence of a chip in windshield, just the crack. Later in the year I again went to the dealership because of the technical bulletin about cracks happening in this location on the windshield and while using defroster. Their response was not occurring with 2014 outbacks. In june I went to lou fusz dealership to discuss this problem. By now more than 6 months since occurrence, there are rock chips in windshield therefore they said caused by rock. I firmly believe this happened due to the defrost mechanism location and the integrity of the windshield glass.
2014 Subaru Outback visibility problems
10 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 48,350. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 48,350
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Sun/moon roof assembly2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru Outback visibility problems in other years
Related recalls
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
- Risk
- If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V‑469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Recall number 16V694000 · Recall details
What 2014 Subaru Outback owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was driving at about 65 miles/hour on highway 17 near apalachin, ny, when a deer jumped from the right side and hit the front of my car. Both front airbags deployed. Immediately, the gas released from the airbags completely fogged the windshield reducing visibility zero, so I could not see where I was going during the braking period. Fortunately, I only shifted to the other line and there were no other cars around. The gas deposit remained on the windshield and I had to use a cloth to clean it. In my opinion, the fogged windshield resulting from the airbag deployment was a much higher safety hazard than the collision with the deer itself. An unrelated complaint is that after the car stopped, the doors were blocked (would not open) for half a minute or so.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru outback. During a rainstorm, water entered the vehicle through the sun roof and drenched the cabin. The failure caused $1,769 worth of damage. The failure occurred because a drain tube on the sun roof became clogged and caused the water to back up and enter the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to chatham parkway subaru (7 park of commerce way, savannah, ga 31405, (888) 430-0231) where it was determined that the drains were clogged. The dealer cleaned the drains, replaced the carpet, and replaced the amplifier at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact stated that the failure was missed during an earlier service visit with the dealer that could have prevented the failure. The failure mileage was 89,904.
Sunroof drains clog causing water to leak into car. This occurs when raining or washing car. Interior windows become very foggy and often times it is necessary to wipe them down with a cloth. Dealer was willing to remove standing water from car and seats as a "one time courtesy" and indicated that they would clear drains during each car service performed by them. Recently had the drains cleaned, we have had 4 flash flood warnings since then and water continues to leak into the interior (both when driving or stationary). This is a known problem to subaru but I have yet to see a recall. This is certainly both a safety and health issue (visibility/mold/mildew). Leaking has occurred during the past 3 years, perhaps a bit more. We have a 2006 volvo that has a sunroof and no leaks!
Spontaneous crack in windshield, beginning at the bottom center, while car was parked overnight.
Backup camera allows water to seep in and fry the camera which presents a safety hazard when backing up (small children, pets, etc you couldn't see otherwise if directly behind -in the most dangerous place). Subaru is aware of this defect but has not corrected it, so if you have them install a new camera for approximately $350.00) you're getting another leaky camera that is doomed to fail. The dealer said replacement camera is the same one as original.
I bought outback from dealer on 9/26/2018, and when weather turned cool, windshield cracked. I had safelite/liberty replace on 10/22/2018, and didn't drive until wednesday, 10/24/2018 when I drove on i81. Truck threw stone and I called to repair, but they couldn't fix in afternoon. Thursday at 8 a.m. The windshield was already cracked beyond repair. Had to call insurance company and replace again on 10/25/2018. Seems windshields are defective only on highway twice, cracked twice! I had my previous car 17 years and never changed windshield. I have only put approximately 500 miles on car and have to change twice. Afraid to go on highway. Thank you
2014 subaru outback. Consumer writes in regards to sunroof drains being clogged which caused water to leak into vehicle when raining. *ld
The interior windows will suddenly get covered with fog. This has happened over twenty five times to my car. It doesn't matter what the weather, or outside temp is. This, causes a serious problem trying to see out of the car. The first time it happened I caled the dealership. I was told to run the AC. It can happen even when the AC , is already on. I've had it into the dealership five times in the 14 months I've had the car. They can't find the problem. I've taken clear photographs 3 times showing clear images of how bad the interior fogging gets. Dealership told me to contact subaru america ask for rplacment. I have spoken to three people at subaru, provided all photos. They refuse to replace. This is going to cause an accident. Munn 16 2015 it happened while I was on interstate I-205 and it made seeing out of the car almost impossable. I had to carefully pull of to road side wipe windshield and all interior windows off. I have to carry towels with me at all times. Problem happens without any indacation, it's about to happen. I'm disabled veteran and require a lot of medical appointments at the va medical center. I live alone so I'm taking a chance just trying to get to the va. At some point this is going to cause an accadent. Subaru showed little concern, even if there are others with the same or simile problem.
The windshield popped and cracked across the bottom from the heat of the defrost function.
Questions about the 2014 Subaru Outback visibility
Does the 2014 Subaru Outback have visibility problems?
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the visibility of the 2014 Subaru Outback, 5% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2014 Subaru Outback visibility problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 48,350 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2014 Subaru Outback visibility?
Yes, 1 recall: 16V694000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Outback have the most visibility problems?
The Subaru Outback model years with the most visibility complaints are 2019 (387 complaints), 2020 (383 complaints) and 2022 (280 complaints).
Other 2014 Subaru Outback problems
Airbags 38Engine 36Electrical 32Transmission 25Brakes 22Steering 17Acceleration 14Fuel system 13Body 11Lights 7Driver assistance 6Seat belts 6Suspension 5Tires 3Seats 2Wheels 2
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